Los Angeles Joins the Ranks of Beirut, Alicante, and Saint Petersburg in Royal Air Maroc’s Major Expansion, Adding Key New Routes to Africa, Europe, and North America

Published on December 21, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is undertaking a major network expansion as part of its long-term “2037 Development Plan,” which aims to solidify its position as a key player in the global aviation market. The airline’s upcoming expansion includes a historic new route connecting Los Angeles to Casablanca, which will be launched in June 2026. In addition to this milestone, Royal Air Maroc has confirmed several new nonstop routes to destinations in Europe, Africa, and North America for 2025 and 2026.

What Are the New Routes?

The 2025-2026 expansion plan from Royal Air Maroc will add a number of critical nonstop routes, significantly improving connections between Africa, Europe, and North America. Here are the confirmed routes set to launch from Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca:

New North American Routes:

• Los Angeles (LAX), USA: Starting June 7, 2026, this new service will provide a direct link between Los Angeles and Casablanca, marking a significant milestone in Royal Air Maroc’s expansion into the North American market. The route will operate three times per week using the Boeing 787-8.
• Toronto (YYZ), Canada: Launched in December 2024, this three times-weekly service between Casablanca and Toronto Pearson complements the existing Montreal service and enhances connectivity between Morocco and Canada using the Boeing 787-9.

New European Routes:

• Saint Petersburg (LED), Russia: This twice-weekly route will begin in January 2026, connecting Morocco to Russia with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
• Alicante (ALC) and Bilbao (BIO), Spain: Both Spanish cities will have direct flights from Casablanca, with service starting in April 2026. The routes will operate three times weekly with the Boeing 737-800.
• Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Spain: RAM will add a third Spanish destination starting in June 2026, with flights operating twice weekly.
• Verona (VRN), Italy: Beginning June 20, 2026, this twice-weekly route will enhance RAM’s presence in Italy with the Boeing 737-800.
• Lille (LIL), France: In July 2026, RAM will begin flying from Casablanca to northern France with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

New African & Middle Eastern Routes:

• Pointe-Noire (PNR), Republic of Congo: This three-times-weekly service will commence in April 2026, connecting Casablanca to Central Africa with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
• Tripoli (MJI), Libya: RAM will resume flights to Libya’s capital in April 2026, operating three times per week with the Boeing 737-800.
• Beirut (BEY), Lebanon: Starting April 2026, this route will re-establish direct connectivity between Casablanca and Lebanon, flying twice weekly with the Boeing 737-800.

Here’s a quick overview of the data:

How Does This Expansion Fit into Royal Air Maroc’s Strategy?

Royal Air Maroc’s expansion is part of its broader vision to enhance its role as a “Bridge to Africa,” providing direct connections between North America, Europe, and key African and Middle Eastern business hubs without the need for layovers in Europe. This strategic focus on direct flights will streamline travel for both business and leisure passengers, particularly those traveling between North America and Africa.

As part of the 2037 Development Plan, RAM is positioning itself as a major international carrier, aiming to capitalize on increasing travel demand and growing tourism to Morocco and Africa. By adding these new routes, RAM will significantly boost its connectivity to emerging markets in Africa and Europe, as well as key business destinations in North America.

What Aircraft Will Be Used for These New Routes?

Royal Air Maroc will deploy a range of modern aircraft to service its new routes, including the Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 737-800, and the Boeing 737 MAX. These aircraft are specifically chosen to ensure that RAM can offer comfortable, efficient service to long-haul and short-haul destinations alike.

What Are the Expected Impacts on Passengers?

For passengers, the new routes mean more convenient direct flights to destinations that were previously connected through other international hubs. The addition of Los Angeles as a new destination will especially benefit travelers from the United States, who will now have direct access to Casablanca and beyond.

The expansion to cities in Spain, Italy, Russia, and Lebanon will further enhance Royal Air Maroc’s reach, providing passengers with additional options for travel within Europe and to North Africa. With direct flights to Pointe-Noire, Tripoli, and Beirut, RAM is making key markets in Africa and the Middle East more accessible, while strengthening its position as a leading African carrier.

What Are the Challenges and Opportunities?

While the expansion is promising, Royal Air Maroc must navigate several challenges, including the competitive North American aviation market, which is dominated by major international carriers. Additionally, geopolitical issues in some regions, like Libya and Lebanon, may affect travel demand and operations. However, RAM’s focus on direct, efficient connections and its ability to adapt to changing travel patterns positions the airline well for continued growth.

The 2037 Development Plan signals Royal Air Maroc’s long-term commitment to providing superior connectivity between Africa, Europe, and North America, while contributing to Morocco’s growing status as a key global aviation hub.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward for Royal Air Maroc

With its comprehensive network expansion, Royal Air Maroc is poised to become a significant force in international aviation, providing enhanced connectivity between Africa, Europe, and North America. The airline’s new routes to Los Angeles, Beirut, Alicante, Saint Petersburg, and beyond are just the beginning of its broader expansion strategy, with more destinations to come in the following years. As RAM continues to grow its global footprint, passengers can expect more convenient, direct flight options to exciting destinations worldwide.